The Metropolitan Director of Social Welfare at the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) says child prostitution is in the ascendancy in the Metropolis.
Madam Constance Baiden said this to Skyy Power 93.5FM journalist, Stephen Cudjoe at the sidelines of the Stakeholders Conference on Child Abuse in the city.
She made it known that children from age of 10 years and above have engaged in prostitution in the metropolis.
Sighting some communities where these illicit activities are being taken place, Madam Baiden made mention of European Town, Kojokrom, Sekondi Railway Station and other areas as well.
She cautioned the parents to be protective over their children because it’s their responsibility and they can be blamed for the wayward lifestyle of these children.
She said, “Parents should talk to their children, their children should be their friends and they should also know the friends of their children through investigating their backgrounds because friends can be of great influence.”
Madam Baiden however stated that the best the Social Welfare can do is to educate and sensitize the hotspot communities on the effects of this activity for both the parents and children.
“We have been going to European Town and other communities frequently for sensitization…we have been rescuing children and sending them back to their parents. Our problem is that after we have rescued and sent them back, you will see them back on the streets,” she added.
She then entreated the media, chiefs and opinion leaders to involve themselves in this exercise of curbing the menace of child prostitution in the Metropolis.